Winter Olympics: Team GB skeleton skinsuits are illegal, say rivals

Parsons is ranked No 12 in the world but set the fastest times in his new skinsuit before sitting out today’s practice session at the GamesAlamy

The row over Team GB’s controversial skeleton skinsuits escalated at the Winter Olympics with rivals claiming that the kit provided an unfair advantage.

One competitor insisted that the British team had previously won gold in skeleton by using illegal equipment, while the United States team said that the dispute was a “strategic move” to distract other teams.

Rival nations, including Canada, had been privately querying whether the custom-fitted aerodynamic suits conformed to regulations. Katie Uhlaender, the US skeleton rider, went public with her concern after practice yesterday, when the British women were again among the fastest. “If you see something that is questionably illegal, it is OK to ask,” the former world champion said.

Uhlaender raised concerns over the skinsuit on social mediaMARK RALSTON/GETTY IMAGES

Concerns have grown among other teams because the British sliders have…